Ten Hag praises Manchester United players for 'brilliant week' after win over Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes scores only goal of the game at Old Trafford to further strengthen top-four position

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag at full time after the Premier League win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford. PA

Erik ten Hag praised his Manchester United players for a “brilliant week” after Sunday's Premier League victory over Aston Villa further cemented the club's position in the top four.

Seven days after securing their place in the FA Cup final, and a meeting with rivals Manchester City, following a penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, United defeated an in-form Villa 1-0 at Old Trafford courtesy of Bruno Fernandes's goal.

United, in fourth, hold a seven-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool and still have a game in hand. It means United's hopes of playing Champions League football next season are very much in their control.

Ten Hag, who already guided United to the League Cup this season, brushed aside questions about the success he has had in his first year as manager, saying it was a “brilliant week” for his team but there is plenty of football left to play.

“This question I think you have to wait until it's done,” Ten Hag said. “We have to keep going, from game to game, but I think this is a brilliant week for us.”

United defeated Brighton 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out in the FA Cup semi-finals last Sunday and then played Tottenham to a 2-2 league draw. Ten Hag was critical of his side after that game for giving up a two-goal lead, but he was pleased with their response against Villa.

“When you are in a semi-final in a tough game against a good opponent we have seen in the week, we played a very good game to get through to the final,” the Dutchman said.

“And then Tottenham, we played the first half very well. And today we played two halves, I think an impressive game. So big credits to the team.”

Fernandes scored Sunday's lone goal — and the 100th league goal of his career — six minutes before halftime. Against Brighton a week earlier, he picked up what looked to be a significant ankle injury that had made him a doubt against Tottenham.

But the 28-year-old Portugal international did not sit out, and when asked what that says about his resilience, Ten Hag said: “A lot.”

Man United v Aston Villa - match gallery

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scores the team's winner in the 1-0 Premier League win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 30, 2023. Getty

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates his goal with Jadon Sancho. AP

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates the winner. AP

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is challenged by Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa. AP

Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and Calum Chambers in action with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Reuters

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa attempts an overhead kick under pressure from Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United. EPA

Luke Shaw and Casemiro of Manchester United challenge Calum Chambers of Aston Villa. EPA

Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez makes a save from Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer. AFP

Manchester United's Casemiro takes a shot. AFP

David de Gea of Manchester United clears from Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey. EPA

John McGinn of Aston Villa is tackled by Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United. Getty

“I emphasised it on Thursday in London, he's so tough,” Ten Hag said. “A couple of weeks ago, (some) were questioning about his captaincy. It's crazy, because he's such a big leader, by example. He gives so much energy to the team besides his smartness, but also his determination, his passion and his resilience.

“And so yeah, I think we as a team are so happy. We need such players if you want to win games, if you want to win trophies.”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, meanwhile, still believes his side can finish the season strong enough to climb into the top-four. They're seventh with 54 points from 34 games, nine points behind fourth placed United, who have played 32 games.

“They are tough matches that we are going to face but I think we are ready to do it,” Emery said. “And we are excited to have this opportunity.”

It was the first time in 21 matches since Emery took control that his team failed to score.